The Cincinnati Bengals took to the practice field early at 10 AM on Sunday morning to prepare for the fast-approaching preseason.
While every training camp session has the potential to be fun, this one was special because it was the first to feature the team’s first-round pick Shemar Stewart, who signed his contract the day before.
With Stewart on the field, the team can turn its full focus on extending NFL defending sack leader Trey Hendrickson so the two can get to work together. For now, though, Stewart was working with the rest of the defensive line and getting his first taste of NFL football.
Jerry Montgomery had Shemar Stewart in on every rep of install.
Literally. Every single rep.
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 27, 2025
Stewart was getting snaps with the second-team defense opposite Cam Sample, and got plenty of work in 11-on-11 drills to get caught up on defense, and got some special teams mentoring as well.
Stewart learning special teams on the fly, standing behind field goal block getting instruction from assistant special teams coach Ben Jacobs. pic.twitter.com/LKqZ6j6uSe
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) July 27, 2025
Shemar Stewart had three guys cracking down on him during his first snap of team drills. The Bengals first rounder took two snaps on the drive. It’s his first NFL practice. pic.twitter.com/ihgr7w7D8r
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 27, 2025
While Stewart garnered the vast majority of attention throughout the majority of practice, and rightfully so (it is his first practice, after all), there were other things going on.
Lucas Patrick, who left the field early the day before, was out at practice with a sleeve on his calf and didn’t participate.
There goes Lucas Patrick who isn’t practicing today after leaving practice early on Friday with an injury
He’s wearing a sleeve on his right calf pic.twitter.com/JKo2h7Qn4c
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) July 27, 2025
We got a couple of good looks at other rookie defenders.
And some of Stewart and Knight together.
Mike Gesicki, who was one of Joe Burrow’s most reliable receivers in 2024, is back for Year 2, and he and his quarterback are picking up where they left off.
Year 2 in Cincinnati for Mike Gesicki.
Only Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins finished with more receptions and receiving yards on the Bengals last season. pic.twitter.com/DDw1NUJJ3Q
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) July 27, 2025
Burrow was on fire on Sunday morning. Even though most eyes were on the team’s No. 17 overall pick, the offense was still able to turn some heads.
Joe Burrow has been perfect so far in team drills today (11-on-11 and 7-on-7). Isaiah Williams making a diving catch like this is a big reason why. Heck of a play⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lSUg5M6rQh
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 27, 2025
And we can’t forget about the team’s new RB1, Chase Brown.
Good practice now will help the Bengals get off to a fast start, so it’s nice seeing some intensity this early.
“I ain’t havin that shit!”- Jordan Battle to Mike Gesicki after a failed fade in the end zone.
The ball was unscathed but I Love the back and forth after this play. pic.twitter.com/d7nlQNLGpX
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) July 27, 2025
Evan McPherson continues to have a good training camp.
Finally, practice ended, and Burrow closed things out with sprints.
The Bengals will retake the field on Monday morning for their next session.
Who Dey!
